Assembly Elections: EC replaces Chennai police commissioner ahead of polls; Opposition complaint triggers action

The Election Commission has appointed Abhin Dinesh Modak as Chennai Police Commissioner ahead of Tamil Nadu polls, replacing Arun IPS after opposition complaints.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 10 April 2026, 8:44 PM IST

Abhin Dinesh Modak as Chennai Police Commissioner (Img: Internet)

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the immediate posting of senior IPS officer Abhin Dinesh Modak as the new Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The directive, issued on April 10, comes as part of the Commission’s review of poll preparedness in the state. The ECI has asked the Tamil Nadu government to ensure immediate implementation and submit a compliance report by April 11.

EC orders key IAS-IPS reshuffle in Tamil Nadu ahead of 2026 assembly elections

Modak Replaces Arun IPS

Modak replaces A Arun, whose continuation in the post had been opposed by political leaders. The Commission also directed that any officer transferred during this period should not be assigned election-related duties until the completion of the electoral process.

Such measures are routinely taken by the ECI to ensure neutrality and fairness during elections.

Opposition Flags Allegations

The development follows a formal complaint submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu against Arun IPS. The complaint alleged that the officer had acted in a manner favouring the ruling DMK government and had harassed media personnel.

A delegation associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party met the state’s Chief Electoral Officer earlier in the day to press for his removal.

BJP Delegation Submits Complaint

The delegation included former DGP Balachandran, legal cell president A. Kumaraguru, former legal cell head R. Soundarajan, and former Rajya Sabha MP G V L Narasimha Rao.

The group met the Chief Electoral Officer at the Secretariat between 10 am and 11 am on April 10, submitting a complaint detailing their concerns and seeking immediate action.

Tamil Nadu electorate swells to 5.73 crore after addition of 6.36 lakh voters

Poll Preparations Intensify

The change in police leadership comes as Tamil Nadu gears up for Assembly elections, with the ECI closely monitoring administrative arrangements.

Officials said the reshuffle is aimed at maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that law enforcement agencies function impartially during the electoral process.

Further developments are expected as election preparations gather pace in the state.